AED Chest Hair Removal Pads

ABSTRACT

A depilatory adhesive pad for removal of chest and torso hair from a patient in an emergency medical situation, whereafter AED electrodes may be placed. The pads comprise a first side of adhesive film and a second side exhibiting illustrative instructions for a user. The instructions provide a user with a brief explanation of how to use the pads and a visual representation of where the pads are placed on the patient&#39;s body. The pads are supplied in sealed packages of two for preparing a pair of clean surfaces for each AED lead. Within the package, both pads attach to a common sheet of nonstick material from which the adhesive pads may easily be separated. Once placed on the patient&#39;s torso, a removal tab is provided for pulling the adhered pad in a direction parallel to the skin surface, creating a tearing motion that removes the pad and hair attached thereto. Emergency responders may utilize the present invention to ensure AED leads obtain necessary electrical contact with the patient, particularly in emergency response situations wherein proper surface preparation is not provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/368,032 filed on Jul. 27, 2010, entitled “AED Chest Hair Removal Pads.”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to adhesive depilatory pads for quickly and effectively removing patches of hair. More specifically, the present invention pertains to adhesive hair removal pads for clearing a surface along a patient's chest and torso for proper attachment of AED leads in an emergency situation.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Defibrillation is an emergency medical treatment that induces an electric shock across the patient's heart for combating rapid, irregular heartbeats and to restore a normal heart rhythm. More specifically, defibrillation is used to treat irregular heart rhythms such as cardiac arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Defibrillators are the electronic devices that subject the electroshock therapy to a patient by way of electrodes (leads or paddles) placed on a patient's chest and torso. The electrodes deliver a brief shock to the heart, allowing the sinoatrial node to regain control and reestablish a natural heart rhythm. Traditional defibrillators are utilized by trained medical professionals and require extensive training. Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) were developed for use by a broader spectrum of administrators, including emergency responders and layperson Samaritans.

AEDs provide a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses cardiac arrhythmias and ventricular tachycardia in a patient. Similar to a traditional defibrillator, the AED administers electrical shocks to the body to reestablish an effective heart rhythm, but because of its autonomous analysis of a patient's condition, it is designed for use by either medical professionals or laypersons. The device functions via placement external electrodes on the chest and torso of a patient. Once the electrodes (leads) of the AED are in place, the device examines the electrical output from the patient's heart to determine if the patient is in a shockable rhythm, including ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. An internal battery charges a capacitor for delivery of a brief electric shock to the patient.

The leads of the AED device are adhesive pads that require uniform contact along the patient's skin to administer a proper shock to the heart. Gaps between the pad and the skin can result in inadequate shocking or arcing of electricity from the pad to the skin, which may result in skin burns. Improper placement of the leads or a patient with considerable chest and torso hair represents a particular problem for emergency responders. The abundance of hair may not allow the leads to be properly secured to the skin, resulting in skin and hair burns, along with improper administration of a required electrical shock to reset heart rhythms.

Preparation of the patient's skin would ideally require hair to be shaved and the areas cleaned prior to AED leads being applied to the skin. However, this process is time consuming in an emergency situation, wherein a patient may be experiencing cardiac arrest and require a defibrillator. A solution is needed that allows emergency responders to quickly remove patches of hair on a patient's chest and torso for proper placement of the AED leads. The present invention relates to a structure and method of supplying a packaged set of depilatory pads with instructional images and pull tabs for easy use and for quick removal of hair in emergency conditions.

Similar devices are known and described in the art for hair removal. U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,513 to Massana Florensa describes a wax strip for depilation, comprising two back to back sheets separated by a wax layer and housed in a heating plate structure. The heating plate provides thermal activation of the waxing pads, allowing a viscous waxy compound to be applied to hair for removal thereof. This device utilizes a back to back package of depilatory pads, but requires a heating element to place the pads in a working condition. This composition and structure is not suited for emergency situations wherein time is critical. A patient may be experiencing cardiac failure while the pads are being heated to a working temperature, which is unacceptable for this scenario.

Published U.S. Patent Application number 2003/0204192 to Schulte describes a system for hair removal consisting of a packaged hair removal solution. The pads are applied to a section of the body with unwanted hair, set for a prescribed period of time and removed therefrom. The pads contain a solution that destroys hair, which can be removed along with residual debris after the pad is removed. While this device provides a painless method and structure for eliminating hair, the prescribed time for activation and process for hair removal makes it not suited for use in emergency situations; in a similar fashion that the Massana Florensa patent was not suited given time considerations.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,470,877 to Morgan relates to a method of removing hairs using a fluid adhesive layer, upon which is placed a second layer of higher viscosity, pressure sensitive adhesive that is pressed against the first layer. The fluid layer is bonded to the second layer as they are peeled from the skin to remove hair therefrom. This method describes a multi-step, multi-layered depilatory pad that requires knowledge of its procedure prior to use, as opposed to the present invention, which provides a single pad for adhesion and depilation. The few moments spent reading directions and determining which layer corresponds to those in the directions and the procedures thereof allow precious minutes to pass as a patient is in cardiac arrest. Similarly to the aforementioned patents, this device is not suited for time critical situations wherein a patch of hair must be removed with little hesitation and without a learning process.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,282,877 to Mathews describes a chemical arrangement, strip device and method for removing unwanted hair. More specifically, the strips are designed to shape specific hair patterns, such as eye brows, removing unwanted hair in strategic places. This patent describes the chemical makeup of the depilatory adhesive. While this device may be useful for removing hair, no mention is made of its usefulness in urgent or emergency situations, wherein time and ease of use are critical.

Published U.S. Patent Application number 2005/0070963 to Wilson describes a hair removal device for preparation of AED leads about a patient's torso. The device comprises two depilatory pads connected by a center portion for placement of one pad on the right chest and the second below the left breast. The device allows proper positioning of the hair removal pads with respect to the AED lead placement. This device is useful for placement of AED pads, but does not accommodate various sized individuals, wherein the gap between depilatory pads may be much larger or shorter than what is provided. The use of two independent pads eliminates this drawback, as the pads of the present invention provide illustrative placement directions on their backside and are independent of patient physical geometry.

The present invention provides a device that thoroughly clears hair away from a given area for application of an AED lead. The device comprises a sealed package of two depilatory pads stacked back to back, with a non-adhesive, release paper therebetween. The pads provide a first side of strong adhesive and second side with illustrative instructions. The instructions require minimal aptitude, reading or language comprehension skills, and are therefore illustratively helpful to all users for the placement of the hair removal pads and subsequent AED pads. The design of the package, the pads and their use is intended for expediency in an emergency situation, wherein time is critical for a patient with heart rhythm issues. The present invention clearly and substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and it is consequently clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing emergency hair removal pad devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of emergency hair removal pads now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new emergency hair removal pad system wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when removing hair from areas on a patient in an emergency situation wherein defibrillation is required.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a user with a set of hair removal pads within a package that allows quick application and removal of hair in an emergency situation, wherein the pads are sized to accommodate a standard AED electrode pad.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a enclosed package of two adhesive pads, back to back and separated by a non-adhering release paper. The pads comprise a first and second side, wherein the first side is a layer of tacky adhesive that is conducive to hair removal, while the second side provides illustrative instructions for pad placement on the patient. Pull tabs are attached to each pad to facilitate pad removal once placed on the patient.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fast response hair removal tool that can be quickly and efficiently deployed to remove chest and torso hair from a patient in a defined region for application of defibrillator leads.

Yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved emergency hair removal pad device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention, including two back to back depilatory pads separated by a layer of release paper.

FIG. 2 shows the second side of the depilatory pads, whereupon illustrative instructions are provided for the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the present invention, wherein a back to back depilatory pads are separated by a layer of release paper 13. The pads comprise a first side 11 and a second side 12. The second side contains illustrative instructions for use, including placement indications on a patient and method of removal once the pad is placed. The instructions are intended to be comprehendible to all languages and user sophistication. To this end, they are simple and graphical, providing quick interpretation and implementation. The first side 12 of each pad is comprises a layer of highly tacky adhesive for grasping hair when pressed against a patient's body. The adhesive requires no activation or thermal preparation, but rather is ready to use once separated from the release paper 13. A pull tab 14 is provided on the end of each pad for the user to grasp and pull once the pad is applied to the patient.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a view of the second side 11 of the depilatory pads, whereupon illustrative instructions are provided for the user. The instructions comprise a visual representation of a patient, showing the patient chest and torso. Locations along the chest and torso are highlighted to show where the pads are to be placed and hair to be removed. The idea locations are a first pad on the right chest, beside the sternum and below the clavicle, and a second pad just below the left pectoral muscle. These locations allow the AED to efficiently monitor the patient's heart and properly administer a shock if necessary. Removing hair from these locations is critical to obtain a proper contact between the skin and the AED electrode.

In an emergency situation, a pair of pads is provided in a sealed package. The pads are separated by a non-stick separation paper. The paper may comprise of wax paper or otherwise non-permanent adhesable material. The AED is charged and the leads are located. Prior to placement on a patient's body, the depilatory pads are removed from their package and AED lead locations are determined on the patient. The pads are removed from the release paper and adhered to the patient in the proper, aforementioned locations. The user presses firmly on the pads to ensure proper adhesion to the patient's body hair. The pull tabs are grasped, one at a time, and pulled in a direction parallel to the patient's skin surface, from the pull tab side of the pad to its opposite side. This provides a tearing motion as opposed to a direct pulling motion. The adhesive is released from the patient's skin, removing hair from its roots in the process. A patch of skin is therefore cleared of unwanted body hair for placement of AED leads.

The key aspect of the disclosed invention is the packaging and quick application of the depilatory pads. The pads and instructions provide a user, whether a trained professional or a layperson with no experience, with a quick-reference set of instructions for pad use. The pads allow areas on the patient to be cleared of body hair without resorting to shaving or other hair removal means. These alternative means are time consuming and therefore not appropriate in a time critical situation wherein a patient is in cardiac arrest and in need of defibrillation.

The package of pads can be easily supplied at any AED location or with any portable AED device. They are designed to thoroughly clear hair away from skin to allow the AED to function properly. The strong adhesive first side of the pads may comprise any tacky, strong adhesive formula that provides strength to remove body hair without pealing from its second supporting side. The second side provides a backing material for the adhesive to attach to, allowing support as the pads are removed from the patient along with associated body hair. Each pad may measure the dimensions of a standard AED electrode, typically 3½″ in width and 5″ in length with rounded corners. It is not intended to limit the pad size to a specific dimension. Rather, these dimensions are an embodiment that has been shown to correspond with a standard AED electrode pad.

The pads themselves are kept in air-tight seal packages to ensure that the adhesive stays fresh for at least two years. The packaging preserves the tackiness of the adhesive, and therefore the utility of the pads after an extended period of time. In total, the pads provide quick application of AED leads regardless of body geometry or surface body hair. Hair is quickly removed for placement of the leads for shock therapy, allowing quicker medical intervention to a cardiac emergency situation.

Shown in the two tables below are embodiments of the hair removal directions supplied on the second side of each pad. These include directions for use, reference to the appropriate application areas and the accompanying visual aid provided thereon. The directions are concise and direct. However, they are intended to be back-up information, as the illustration on each pad is designed to compensate for illiteracy or non-English speaking users. Quick understanding of the hair removal process and the pad application region is gained by the visual aids, allowing all users to facilitate hair removal using the present invention prior to placement of the AED leads. These lists are merely prophetic examples for a set of directions. They are not intended to be limiting.

TABLE 1   A First Embodiment of the Depilatory Pad Instructions 1. Make sure skin and hair in area to be removed is as dry as possible 2. Open package, peel pad from paper 3. Place pads as shown in picture. Press firmly across entire pad. 4. Pull quickly to remove pad and hair. 5. If some hair remains, repeat with a new pad. 6. Once the hair is removed, immediately place electrode pads.

TABLE 2   A Second Embodiment of the Depilatory Pad Instructions 1. Press pad firmly against chest hair. 2. Then pull quickly to remove pad and hair 3. * * * Once hair is removed attach the AED pads * * *

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A hair removal system for removing chest and torso hair from a patient in an emergency situation prior to application of AED leads, comprising: a package of two depilatory pads, each with a first and second side, separated by a layer of release paper, said pads being shaped to conform to the area of an AED electrode pad, said first side comprises a layer of adhesive, said second side comprises an illustrative set of instructions for rapidly teaching a user where to place said pads on said patient, a pull tab along said pad for a user to pull said pad from said patient for hair removal.
 2. A method of removing chest and torso hair from a patient in a cardiac emergency situation prior to placement of AED leads, comprising the steps of: removing a set of depilatory pads from a sealed package, locating AED electrode locations on said patient based on instructions located on said depilatory pads, placing depilatory pads on said locations and firmly pressing pad against patient, removing said pads and patient hair attached thereto from said patient via a pull tab, placing AED electrode leads on said locations. 